FTC asks e-cigarette corporations, together with Juul, for gross sales and promotional information

Nick Gregory, a 26-year-old manager, vapes on a JUUL in Botany Bay in Lexington, Ky.

Charles Bertram | Tribune News Service | Getty Images

The Federal Trade Commission said Monday that it had asked five e-cigarette manufacturers to provide the agency with sales and promotional data for 2019 and 2020.

The companies named by the FTC were Juul, RJ Reynolds Vapor Co., Fontem, Logic Technology Development, and NJOY.

In October 2019, the FTC asked e-cigarette manufacturers to provide similar marketing data from 2015 to 2018. The FTC examines annual sales data, product flavors, freebies, social media, college campus programs, and influencer and affiliate programs.

E-cigarette maker Juul has previously been in the spotlight of its marketing practices, particularly towards teenagers. Early last year, 39 states investigated the company’s marketing and sales tactics amid legal proceedings involving teenagers alleging addiction to Juul’s products. In 2019, the FDA criticized the company for illegally marketing its vapes as a safer alternative to cigarettes.

In late 2019, Juul announced that it would cease all product advertising on radio, print and digital channels in the United States

Juul, RJ Reynolds Vapor Company and NJOY did not immediately respond to CNBC’s requests for comment. The development of logic technology could not be reached for comment.

“We have worked with the FTC on our response and look forward to sharing it with them by the deadline at the latest,” said Kelly Cushman, a spokeswoman for Fontem’s parent company ITG Brands, in an email.